Kid-Friendly Events and Things to Do in San Francisco, August 2017

Here are our top picks for kid-friendly events happening in San Francisco this month. Know of something else fun going on around town? Email us at info@SanFranciscoMomsBlog.com or leave a comment below! 

August 1

Children’s Music Show with Alison Faith Levy, West Portal Library:  Spend some time dancing and singing along with Alison, aka Sippy Alison, a well known singer-songwriter and children’s performer who writes her own music in addition to performing children’s classics. 10:00 AM Free. 

Children’s Music Show with Alison Faith Levy, Noe Valley Library:  Spend some time dancing and singing along with Alison, aka Sippy Alison, a well known singer-songwriter and children’s performer who writes her own music in addition to performing children’s classics. 2:00 PM Free. 

August 3

Mary Poppins Sing Along, Castro Theatre: Join fellow fans of this classic film at the iconic Castro Theatre and sing along to your hearts content. Costumes are always welcome. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. 7:00 PM

August 4

Mary Poppins Sing Along, Castro Theatre: Join fellow fans of this classic film at the iconic Castro Theatre and sing along to your hearts content. Costumes are always welcome. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. 7:00 PM

American Craft Show, Fort Mason Pavillion: More than 230 top contemporary jewelry, clothing, furniture, and home décor artists from across the country will gather under one roof. It’s your chance to touch, feel, and explore high-quality American craft and meet the makers behind the fabulous work. This is the largest juried craft show west of the Rockies — a must-attend for craft lovers. 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Children under 12 years old are free.

August 5

American Craft Show, Fort Mason Pavillion: More than 230 top contemporary jewelry, clothing, furniture, and home décor artists from across the country will gather under one roof. It’s your chance to touch, feel, and explore high-quality American craft and meet the makers behind the fabulous work. This is the largest juried craft show west of the Rockies — a must-attend for craft lovers. 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Children under 12 years old are free.

Mary Poppins Sing Along, Castro Theatre: Join fellow fans of this classic film at the iconic Castro Theatre and sing along to your hearts content. Costumes are always welcome. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM

Film Night in the Park, Dolores Park: Watch “Footloose” (1984) on a giant outdoor screen set up in the park. Attendees are encouraged to picnic before screenings and are discouraged from bringing chairs. Free. Movie begins at sunset – 8:15 PM. Free.

August 6

Mary Poppins Sing Along, Castro Theatre: Join fellow fans of this classic film at the iconic Castro Theatre and sing along to your hearts content. Costumes are always welcome. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM

YMCA Learn to Ride Program, Presidio Main Lawn:  Let YBike’s awesome instructors teach your kids how to ride a bike at Off the Grid Presidio Picnic. Bikes and equipment provided. All ages welcome. No pre-registration required; just drop by, the south end of Main Post Lawn. 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Free

Story Time and Family Walk, SF Botanical Gardens Library, 1199 9th Ave: Every first and third Sunday of the month meet in the cozy children’s book nook for lively readings of nature-themed stories. Afterward, families can enjoy a special docent-led family Garden walk that brings the stories to life. Be sure to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Suitable for children aged 4-8. 10:30-11:30. Free for SF residents.

Surfrider Foundation Beach Clean Up, Ocean Beach: Meet across from the Beach Chalet at Stairwell 17 to volunteer to help clean up Ocean Beach. Buckets and other supplies will be provided. Clean up happens every first and third Sunday of the month and no advanced registration is required. 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

American Craft Show, Fort Mason Pavillion: More than 230 top contemporary jewelry, clothing, furniture, and home décor artists from across the country will gather under one roof. It’s your chance to touch, feel, and explore high-quality American craft and meet the makers behind the fabulous work. This is the largest juried craft show west of the Rockies — a must-attend for craft lovers. 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Children under 12 years old are free.

August 10

Children’s Music Show with Alison Faith Levy, Eureka Valley Library:  Spend some time dancing and singing along with Alison, aka Sippy Alison, a well known singer-songwriter and children’s performer who writes her own music in addition to performing children’s classics. 11:00 AM Free. 

Children’s Music Show with Alison Faith Levy, Anza Library:  Spend some time dancing and singing along with Alison, aka Sippy Alison, a well known singer-songwriter and children’s performer who writes her own music in addition to performing children’s classics. 4:00 PM Free. 

Polk Street Summer Wine Walk, Polk St between Jackson and Post St:  The second annual wine walk along Polk St is a tasting event where merchants will share wine samples and special treats in their stores. Purchase on-site tickets for $25 at 1475 Polk Street or advance tickets for $20. 4:00 – 8:00 PM.

August 11

The Rainbow Fish Musical, Children’s Creativity Museum: The Bay Area Children’s Theatre performs this charming musical adapted from the award-winning book by Marcus Pfister about the joy of finding friendship through sharing. Playing Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays now through August 27th. Tickets sell out fast, so don’t wait to reserve your spot! 6:30 PM

August 12

Filipino Pistahan Parade and Festival, Civic Center & Yerba Buena Gardens: The Grand Parade begins in the Civic Center at 11:00 AM and marches down Market St. to 4th St. Experience the best of Filipino art, dance, music and food at the Pistahan Parade and Festival. Billed as the largest celebration of Filipino Americans in the U.S., the the two-day event organized by the Filipino American Arts Exposition is expected to draw over 80,000 people over the weekend. Admission is free and fun for the entire family! 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The Rainbow Fish Musical, Children’s Creativity Museum: The Bay Area Children’s Theatre performs this charming musical adapted from the award-winning book by Marcus Pfister about the joy of finding friendship through sharing. Playing Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays now through August 27th. Tickets sell out fast, so don’t wait to reserve your spot! 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM

August 13

Inner Sunset Flea Market & Merchant Hop, Irving St. @ 9th-10th: The market is open on the second Sunday of every month through October and is full of family fun, food, and finds. 10:00 to 4:00 PM.

Filipino Pistahan Parade and Festival, Yerba Buena Gardens: Experience the best of Filipino art, dance, music and food at the Pistahan Parade and Festival. Billed as the largest celebration of Filipino Americans in the U.S., the the two-day event organized by the Filipino American Arts Exposition is expected to draw over 80,000 people over the weekend. Admission is free and fun for the entire family! 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The Rainbow Fish Musical, Children’s Creativity Museum: The Bay Area Children’s Theatre performs this charming musical adapted from the award-winning book by Marcus Pfister about the joy of finding friendship through sharing. Playing Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays now through August 27th. Tickets sell out fast, so don’t wait to reserve your spot! 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM

August 17

Noe Valley Summer Wine Walk, 24 St from Diamond to Church & Castro Jackson:  The 7th annual wine walk along 24th St is a tasting event where merchants will share wine samples and special treats in their stores. Purchase on-site tickets for $25 at the Noe Valley Town Square (3865 24th St) or advance tickets for $20. 4:00 – 8:00 PM.

August 18

The Rainbow Fish Musical, Children’s Creativity Museum: The Bay Area Children’s Theatre performs this charming musical adapted from the award-winning book by Marcus Pfister about the joy of finding friendship through sharing. Playing Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays now through August 27th. Tickets sell out fast, so don’t wait to reserve your spot! 6:30 PM

August 19

North Beach Italian Festival (Festa Coloniale), Stockton between Union and Filbert St: The Festa is a family oriented Italian culture and heritage event that has become a yearly treat.  It is the only Italian Festa in San Francisco. Stockton Street will be closed to showcase Italian-themed vendors, vintage Italian automobiles, and a large stage featuring performers. 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM 

Festival of the Sea, Hyde Street Pier:  Fast track your knowledge of maritime history with activities and music at San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park’s 2017 Festival of the Sea. Family-friendly activities will include knot tying; rigging, caulking, steam bending, and rope-making demonstrations; a small boat launch; sail raising; living history performers; kids craft stations; and more. 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

The Rainbow Fish Musical, Children’s Creativity Museum: The Bay Area Children’s Theatre performs this charming musical adapted from the award-winning book by Marcus Pfister about the joy of finding friendship through sharing. Playing Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays now through August 27th. Tickets sell out fast, so don’t wait to reserve your spot! 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM

August 20

Sunday Streets, Tenderloin: Enjoy car-free fun in the heart of the Tenderloin with activity hubs on Ellis and Golden Gate Ave. There will be fun, free activities for the whole family to enjoy all along the way. 

Story Time and Family Walk, SF Botanical Gardens Library, 1199 9th Ave: Every first and third Sunday of the month meet in the cozy children’s book nook for lively readings of nature-themed stories. Afterward, families can enjoy a special docent-led family Garden walk that brings the stories to life. Be sure to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Suitable for children aged 4-8. 10:30-11:30. Free for SF residents.

Surfrider Foundation Beach Clean Up, Ocean Beach: Meet across from the Beach Chalet at Stairwell 17 to volunteer to help clean up Ocean Beach. Buckets and other supplies will be provided. Clean up happens every first and third Sunday of the month and no advanced registration is required. 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

The Rainbow Fish Musical, Children’s Creativity Museum: The Bay Area Children’s Theatre performs this charming musical adapted from the award-winning book by Marcus Pfister about the joy of finding friendship through sharing. Playing Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays now through August 27th. Tickets sell out fast, so don’t wait to reserve your spot! 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM

August 21

The Great American Solar Eclipse: From our vantage point in San Francisco, about 76% of the sun will be covered in this rare, not to be missed, natural event. The Bay Area Discovery Museum, Exploratorium, and California Academy of Sciences will all have special programs the morning of the eclipse for you and your little ones. Find out all about them here.

August 25

The Rainbow Fish Musical, Children’s Creativity Museum: The Bay Area Children’s Theatre performs this charming musical adapted from the award-winning book by Marcus Pfister about the joy of finding friendship through sharing. Playing Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays now through August 27th. Tickets sell out fast, so don’t wait to reserve your spot! 6:30 PM

August 26

The Rainbow Fish Musical, Children’s Creativity Museum: The Bay Area Children’s Theatre performs this charming musical adapted from the award-winning book by Marcus Pfister about the joy of finding friendship through sharing. Playing Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays now through August 27th. Tickets sell out fast, so don’t wait to reserve your spot! 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM

August 27

Surfrider Foundation Beach Clean Up, Baker Beach: Meets on the last Sunday of each month, join the group at the picnic table near the beach entrance to volunteer to help clean up Baker Beach. Buckets and other supplies will be provided.  No advanced registration is required. 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Origami Palooza, East Japan Center Mall: Learn from origami experts to create amazing things with paper. More than a dozen teachers and activities for folders of all levels. 12:00 – 5:00 PM

The Rainbow Fish Musical, Children’s Creativity Museum: The Bay Area Children’s Theatre performs this charming musical adapted from the award-winning book by Marcus Pfister about the joy of finding friendship through sharing. Playing Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays now through August 27th. Tickets sell out fast, so don’t wait to reserve your spot! 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM

Throughout the Month

The Color Factory, 575 Sutter St: This two-story interactive pop-up exhibition celebrates color and material, featuring work by a collection of artists and collaborators. It’s a must-see, but plan accordingly. Tickets must be purchased in advance and strollers are not permitted inside. $32 per person. Children under 2 are free. Open 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM every day except Wednesdays.

 

SF Giants Game, AT&T Park: Check out the Giants’ home schedule and take the family to a baseball game this month (we’ve got tips on how to do it). Every Sunday, kids and their parents are invited to run the bases immediately following the game. The line to do this may look long, but it moves quickly!

Conservatory of Flowers Light Show, Golden Gate Park: In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love, the building will be lit up in psychedelic colors from now until October 21st.  to JFK Dr, and JFK Dr between Bernice Rodgers Way and Transverse Dr. 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Free Museum Admission Days: Every month, participating museums, including the California Academy of Sciences, Exploratorium, de Young Museum, and Conservatory of Flowers offer free admission on designated days.

Every Sunday

Off the Grid at Presidio Picnic, Main Parade Ground:  Bring your picnic blanket and hang out. With so many delicious food trucks to choose from, you’ll want to spend time sampling them all. 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Union Square Live, Union Square: From April through October, there will be live performances in the plaza at 2:00 PM. Free.

Stern Grove Festival, Stern Grove Park: Bring your picnic blanket and snacks to this weekly concert series. Seating is first come, first serve. Concert begins at 2:00 PM. Free.

Golden Gate Park Band, Spreckels Temple of Music: Each week the band will perform music from a different theme, through October. 1:00 – 2:30 PM

Every Monday

Chinatown Walking Tour, Portsmouth Square: Learn about the history and daily lives of the largest Chinatown outside of Asia on this tour hour walking tour of the neighborhood. Meet at the parking garage elevators on the park level ten minutes before the tour begins. 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM. Free.

Every Wednesday

Union Square Live, Union Square: From April through October, there will be live performances in the plaza at 6:00 PM. Free.

Tots and Tails Story Time, SPCA 2343 Fillmore St: Visit the SPCA’s 2nd floor conference room for animal-themed stories and a tour of the Pacific Heights adoption center.  Recommended for children 5 years old and younger. 2:00 PM. Free.

Every Thursday

Presidio Twilight Off the Grid, Presidio Main Parade Ground: The Bay Area’s largest community campfire runs every Thursday with a large selection of international cuisine, live music, sunset activities, and the ambiance of San Francisco’s national park for a one-of-a-kind experience. Lantern-lit cabanas and fire pits underscore the “picnic at dusk” atmosphere and are available to all guests on a first come, first-served basis at no cost. Additional event activities include traditional games such as bean bag toss, hula hoops, and giant Jenga. 5:00 – 9:00 PM. Free.

Every Friday 

Off the Grid at Fort Mason, 2 Marina Blvd: Come for an early dinner with the kids. They’ll love the music and lively setting. You’ll love the good food and drinks. 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Pier 39 Celebrations, Pier 39: In honor of Pier 39’s 39th anniversary, the Pier will host difference events every Friday until October. 

Yerba Buena Gardens Festival Children’s Performance, Children’s Garden, 799 Howard St: The kids will love seeing a different entertainer every Friday. Will it be a clown, puppeteer, or musician. Join the fun and find out! 11:00 – 11:30 AM. Free.

Every Saturday

Chinatown Walking Tour, Portsmouth Square: Learn about the history and daily lives of the largest Chinatown outside of Asia on this tour hour walking tour of the neighborhood. Meet at the parking garage elevators on the park level ten minutes before the tour begins. 10:00 AM. Free.